Sussex Zoo Gives Endangered Baby Monkey An Endangered English Name

Drusillas Zoo Park has named its latest arrival, an endangered cotton-top tamarin monkey, Nigel, a name that is now seldom seen on birth certificates in the UK.

Nigel was born on December 17 to parents, 15-year-old Florencia, who came to Drusillas in 2016 from Beale Park and 12-year-old Pasto, who have produced nine other offspring together.

Keepers at the zoo have reported that the "cute baby is presenting as happy, healthy, curious, and cheeky" and has been spotted clinging to its mother as she "proudly shows off her new arrival".

The zoo says the monkey is one of the most threatened primate species in the world, with an estimated 6,000 wild cotton-tops remaining. Native to Colombian rainforests, cotton-tops are known for their spectacular crest of white hair, often likened to ‘mad professor’ characters.

Nigel's name was chosen as it has also made an endangered list. At the end of each year, the baby names that fall out of favour with new parents and receive no registrations are announced, and as a result there is a growing list of names that are at risk of becoming ‘extinct’ in the UK.

Head keeper Gemma Romanis spoke about the choice:

“Tying in our endangered species conservation with endangered names was an idea that came to me around the time baby was born, when I saw an article about the least popular baby names of the year. It made me feel a little sad that these names are disappearing, and I thought it could be a fun tradition to give our most endangered animals names that no one chooses anymore. 

“It also becomes an entertaining way to raise awareness of the threats many of our species’ face in the wild, the more people talking about conservation the better, and it points more people to the amazing work that zoos across the country do to ensure the future survival of the world’s most threatened animals. Plus, I love the idea of some of our animals having quite traditional human names like Nigel, Bill, Carol, or Deidre, which were others on the list.”

Native to Colombian rainforests, cotton-tops are known for their spectacular crest of white hair, often likened to ‘mad professor’ characters.

“As well as being totally adorable, the cause for celebration is that much more when we successfully breed a critically endangered species at Drusillas. Cotton-tops are under threat of extinction in the wild due to extensive deforestation and the illegal pet trade, so the healthy arrival of Nigel provides a small but crucial boost for the population, and we’re really proud to play our part in the future survival of this beautiful primate.”

Many of the animals at Drusillas are involved in breeding programmes, monitored by studbook keepers. Primates are a particular cause for concern due to the threat of extinction in the wild. Drusillas is proud to be doing their part to safeguard the species and ensure that these amazing monkeys do not become extinct. 

Located just off the A27 in Alfriston, Drusillas Park is open from 10am each day. For more information please telephone 01323 874100 or visit www.drusillas.co.uk